Communications Consultant 3 - Staff Writer
Clark College is seeking a full-time, permanent classified Communications Consultant 3 – Staff Writer to join our Communications and Marketing (ComMark) team. You will be joining a team of creative professionals who value each team member’s voice and the voices of our diverse students, colleagues, and stakeholders, as we collaborate to further the college’s mission of serving our community as an open-access institution of higher education.
This position works primarily under the supervision of the Communications Director to provide day-to-day support and management of storytelling, information gathering and interviewing, content writing, speechwriting, and support for all writing and editing needs in the Communications and Marketing department. The Communications Consultant 3 ensures written content accurately reflects the college branding and desired messages as well as effectively expressing information in a culturally relevant manner. They should be resourceful and take the initiative to identify story opportunities and be experienced in meeting deadlines, juggling multiple projects, and thinking strategically about how to best communicate information. They should be excellent writers, competent vernacular photographers, and able to work independently.
The Communications and Marketing (ComMark) office tells the story of Clark College, safeguards its brand, develops connections within our community, and creates advertising, marketing, and public outreach campaigns. We are seeking a valued team member who will help us keep our values of authenticity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our work.
The current hybrid work schedule is three days on campus and two days remote. The hybrid schedule and hours are subject to change based on the needs of the college.
At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.
- Work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.
- Research, write, edit, and proofread materials for ComMark deliverables.
- Day-to-day, this position will primarily write news stories, weekly newsletters, news releases, and will support other writing needs including letters, reports, speeches, web content, social media posts, radio, and video scripts, informational and marketing materials, as needed.
- Oversee the college’s 24/7 news blog and weekly news stories, work with the team to identify and recommend storytelling opportunities that best represents the college’s mission, vision, and values.
- Work collaboratively with the ComMark team to support and execute media/public/community outreach strategy to increase brand awareness and engagement.
- Lead content creation and produce quality and engaging relevant content utilizing excellent copywriting and competent vernacular photography across a variety of formats (blogs, photography, shortform video).
- Provide recommendations for media responses to issues and crisis management and participate in emergency management efforts as requested.
- Maintain an editorial calendar aligned with all communications and marketing strategies. Maintain a media contacts list.
- Monitor media exposure. Track relevant metrics for impact, engagement, and ROI to adjust tactics and strategies as needed.
- Stay current on new developments in digital editorial trends, tracking, and news exposure.
- Supervise and mentor interns or student employees as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Candidates will be evaluated based on application materials, including the supplemental questions and personal interview(s), and will be required to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
- Three (3) years' experience working in journalism, public relations, or communications field.
- Must possess a current valid driver’s license.
- Advanced writing skills including thorough knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, composition, style and usage, and Associated Press (AP) Style.
- Two (2) years of working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Basic HTML skills and/or WordPress experience.
JOB READINESS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Competent vernacular photography skills to document events and augment storytelling.
- Ability to work across multiple teams and with diverse team members.
- Ability to connect with diverse audiences and respect cultural differences.
- Ability to work effectively on a team, anticipating needs and setting priorities to ensure that deadlines are met, while maintaining a positive culture that reflects the overall values of the organization.
- Ability to work quickly, accurately, and thoroughly; and to establish and meet deadlines in an environment with frequent interruptions and sometimes tight timelines.
- Demonstrate professional judgment and represent the college on outreach channels, responding to questions and issues that arise.
- Self-directed and ability to work independently. Work requires a high level of project management skills and independent drive.
- Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, time management, and follow-through.
- Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work outside of normal work schedule on occasion to support and assist with department initiatives.
- Ability to traverse between buildings on campus, in addition to periodically travel between college main campus and satellite facilities.
- Ability to cover events or stories in potentially loud, noisy, and crowded environment e.g., loud music and drumming
- The initial appointment will include a 6-month probationary period, and the employee will earn permanent status after successfully completing probation.
- This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- A healthy work/life balance for our employees with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work depending on position and college needs.
- McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant. Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.
- Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
- On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
- Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
- Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.
Successful candidates typically start at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., April 14, 2025.
- Clark College online application
- Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.
- Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
- Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.
- Three writing samples including one news release and two published articles (news media, newsletter, or blog posts acceptable).
Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs
To contact Clark College Human Resources, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Human Resources at (360) 992-2105 or by video phone at (360) 991-0901.
SECURITY
The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php.
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.
CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES
Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Human Resources Office.
Clark College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Social Justice Leadership Institute, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, Administrators of Color Leadership Program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.
Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision, and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Thao Schmidt, Director of Employment Services, 360-992-2628, tschmidt@clark.edu, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.
Clark College Human Resources
March 25, 2025
25-00029
